Halfway

The song 'Halfway' from 'Amélie - A New Musical' is a poignant exploration of the concept of perpetual striving and the elusive nature of completion. Through the metaphor of a boat journey, the lyrics delve into the idea that no matter how much progress one makes, there is always more distance to cover. This theme is introduced by Young Amélie, who recalls her mother teaching her about geometry and the concept of distance. The lesson about a boat trying to sail from point A to point B, but always having 'halfway more' to go, sets the stage for the song's central metaphor.

As the song progresses, Amélie herself takes up the narrative, describing her own life as a 'little boat' in a 'big ocean.' She uses a copper spyglass, symbolizing her hope and determination to find her way, to spot her 'shore' or destination. The lighthouse she sees represents guidance and a glimmer of hope, urging her to 'lean in on the oar' and start rowing. However, despite her efforts, she finds herself perpetually at sea, always at that 'kitchen table' where the lesson of endless halves was first taught. This cyclical journey reflects the human experience of striving for goals that seem perpetually out of reach.

The song's repetitive structure, with the recurring lines 'Take half of half / And half of that,' emphasizes the never-ending nature of this journey. It suggests that life is a series of continuous efforts and that the notion of finally 'arriving' is an illusion. The imagery of the 'little boat' in the 'big ocean' encapsulates feelings of vulnerability and the vastness of life's challenges. Ultimately, 'Halfway' is a meditation on the persistence required to navigate life's endless journey, even when the destination remains elusive.